"Como se de se 'how'?"

Buenos norches!!!

After a blogging sabbatical, I have returned to tell of my time in Espania! Si, I arrived yesterday with smooth baggage checking, collecting, and transporting which is always an issue of mine. Today however, some of the staff and I ran, not a joke, actually ran to the beach which only is a two minute run, where would catch the tram to go adventuring into the city. We missed the tram ride, but I was able to walk on the sand, touch the water, and stand in awe with an uncontainable smile at the beauty of this country. The sun had set and a painting of pastels swept the sky with mountains protruding so gently against the Mediterranean. We then walked back to Rio Vida where we went outback to the orange tree, picked a few, and was in citrus heaven for a few minutes. My eagles nest hammock made the long journey and was happy to spread out on one of the many patios off the house. She held me while I took a serious siesta, made a wish on the first star I saw tonight, and then came out to update my loves on the beautiful day I had. I am really practicing Spanish here, many of the staff speak it, and I pray it starts to flow a lot better than the stage I am at now. Bible School students arrive in two days, and I am so excited to see how the Lord will use, pour in, and help me to pour out during this time in Spain. Oh, and after some wise council, I booked my ticket home today, so now worries, I will be back April 1. Seriously, no joke. Thank you to all of your encouragement, love, and support. I have fallen in love yet again with another European city, culture, and our Creator is to receive all the praise for allowing me to see how His plan is far beyond any greatness we can fathom.

Adios and cheers!

getting into the groove

October 4, 2008
Oh, my, almost a whole week since I have written. Well this was our first “normal” week where we have had classes, lectures, outreach planning, worship service, etc. Friday our reserved in the evenings for social night, so the committee (managed to be on that one, treasure at that because they must think I am good with budgeting, ha!!) Anywho, all students had to “dress to impress” and then we set the mood in our lecture hall with candles on the tables set up in a horse shoe shape, chairs on both the inner and outer circle. Everyone was greeted with a tic-tac, girls sat on the inside and boys on the outside. Then our night of speed dating started!! It was heaps fun, then afterwards, we played train wreck with partners. All the guys brought a tie and put it into a bag upon arrival. Then each girl selected a tie at random, the owner of that tie thus becoming that lucky lady’s partner. Yours truly managed to make it with my Canadian partner, John, as one of the last two couples! A dance party summed up the evening, then two girls and I went for a chilly stroll through the town. It started to snow last night too!!! Slushy, but snow!! We awoke this morn to snow covered mountains, not all the way down into the Shladming Valley, but the slopes were decently covered and still are at the moment as I look out the window. The leaves are changing here too!! It feels just like the North Carolina Mountains in the fall—golden and burnt red leaves, chilly gusts of wind, snow starting to make its appearance, and smoke chugging out of chimneys. Oh, and fruit on the trees all over town which my friends and I manage to climb and jump up to pick pieces of pear, apple, and plum (See I can budget, free fruit).

October 7, 2008
To catch up from last week, on Saturday, Rachel (Aussie) and Laura (Jackson Hole-ian), and I traveled by train to a nearby town for the day. It was so nice to travel through the mountains, see the outstretched farmland that was so vividly green in color as it contrasted with the white snow caps on silver, rocky mountains. We thought we were going to a town with a small castle, but upon arrival we were informed otherwise. That town, Wefren, was actually another stop up the line, but with time constraints, getting back for dinner that is, we decided to make the best of our day trip to Bishopshofen. We walked around into stores, the girls bought some things they had been wanting, and then we all delighted in a coffee and dessert at a little café. In Austria “ice coffee” is a regular item on the menu, however, this has a different definition than the coffee on ice we drink in the states. Here, it’s a coffee and ice cream parfait! A beautiful collision topped with whipped cream and a small wafer if the café you’re at takes pride in such a lovely treat. So then we caught the train back, and prepared for dinner.

Sunday morning started with a different start than normal. This morning, a few of us woke up a bit earlier than the others and went to the local church to lead the children’s service for the morn. It was confirmation day and so the church asked some Tauernhof students to teach the children that would not be in the sanctuary during the service. We sang songs, in German, played a few games, and constructed a tree that had a hole in the middle where each child would try to place his/her miniature Zachious after being spun around a few times blindfolded. If you haven’t figured it out yet, “the wee little man who climbed up in a Sycamore tree to see what he could see” was the Bible story taught. In closing, we sang “He’s got the whole world in His hands” in both German and English. The communication barrier is getting better with each day, but it has become almost discouraging at times.

I love children and not being able to hold a conversation with them has taken a toll on my heart. The principal here has two absolutely precious daughters, Ronja and Emily, and I nannyed for them last week. We rode bikes, jumped on the trampoline, played dolls and kitchen, giggled while performing a puppet show, and swung. Even though the time together was innocent and fun filled, it created a frustration and left me in a melancholy state because I was unable to communicate with them through words for the majority of the time. When Emily was upset over something that happened with the neighbor boy and when Ronja jumped into Emily on the trampoline and started to cry, I felt helpless because I had no idea what was going on inside the girls other than hurt. Therefore I felt incompetent and upset with myself for not being able to care for the girls the best I can. Even in the stores when the employees speak to me, I struggle to get out simple German words like “I am just looking,” or “Have a good day.” I try to practice and learn more of the language, but it just isn’t coming as easily nor as quickly as I wish it would. So, I sometimes find myself to the point where I avoid conversation other than “Gristy!” (Good day) in passing on the streets, don’t want to order at restaurants because I don’t even know what the menu reads, and shy away from spending quality time with children because I cannot verbally communicate. Pray that the Lord break this spirit of dismay in me. People are so wonderful and I yearn deep within that this place feels like home to me. It is home, but please pray that Satan not let verbal language hold me back from experiencing God’s beauty in this Austrian culture. Writing this makes me think about how often we depend on our words rather than our actions. Today in lecture the teacher used an often quoted phrase about sharing our faith: “Use your actions to speak of Jesus, and if you must, then use words.” I guess this can apply in general to connecting with people. Our actions do speak so loudly, so I challenge you as well to evaluate how much we depend on our mouths to speak what our hearts are feeling. Pretend that you are unable to talk when you come in contact with someone, now what? Can that person feel what it is you want to communicate non-verbally? How are we to interact? We must allow love to overflow, to take the place, whether that be simply holding that crying child, hugging your troubled friend, smiling at that clerk, or tipping a bit more for service. May the Lord help us to do the things the Spirit beacons us to do more than filling the silence with words that may be forgotten moments after they are spoken. We can read that God loves us in scripture, but doesn’t the vision of Jesus’ crucifixion, God’s only Son, for the sake of Love that we may eternally be united, Shalom, with Christ vividly display in your head before a particular verse that speaks of this radical gift of a Savior? Some people say “a picture paints a thousand words.” What picture are we painting when we move about in our day without using our words?

so long

Hello my loveys!!! I seem to “journal” every couple of days, but do not use the internet often, so this is my game plan for keeping you all “up to date.” I will keep on writing during the week, but only publish it on the web once a week. Therefore, each posting will then be longer than usual which will mean, get a cup of coffee or tea, a small snack, some days a meal, and then read a bit of a “book” by yours truly if you’d like to know about Austria from my eyes. We are busy leaning and reading and exploring, so spending time on the internet is something I am choosing to keep to a minimum so that I can be open to experiencing Austria, not staring at a computer screen. I love you all, think of you daily multiple times, and know that God has me here and is doing great things!!


September 23, 2008
Day three I think… yes. We have had our lectures this morn and our afternoon freedoms. Now I sit at the little table in my room as my mates read the daily scripture assignment and I stare out the window at the smoke chugging out of two chimneys on the tarnished tin roof of a pale peach colored house. I actually might live there one day! Plenty of windows, all framed with brown shudders which are actually used, an apple tree, fireplaces, oh, and views of snowcapped mountains… the life of living in a fairytale land.

This arvo three other girls and I hiked up along the stream and waterfalls. I could have gone for longer but they wished to come back. My new boots and socks were ready to be broken in and my longing to keep on, taking in every mountainous breath were however only allowed an hour of freedom today. Hiking has become a new passion of mine, yet I am unable to do in solo for safety reasons. Maybe God will send me a hiking partner soon?! Despite the brevity, I was able to see a slight top view of the town and the snow clouds capturing the tops of the peaking Alps in the distance. As we were walking, I caught myself comparing the similarities of this place to Boone, or better, Blowing Rock. How often I took and take for granted the landscape I have been so blessed to live in for most of my life.

Now let me just give you one more confirmation of how good God is. We all have “duties” here that we daily are accountable for completing. My duty was a mystery until today when I and 6 other students were taken to the “Starhof” area of the building. This “Starhof” has couches and a sunroom with chairs and small tables and of course, a coffinette. New coined term, coffinette, meaning a kitchenette used for making coffee beverages. Yes, as God would have it, my barista talents are being put to use in the Austrian coffinette, Starhof here at Tauernhof. Ha! I know my mother is laughing out loud (remember the conversation we had on the way to airport about my new love for baristahood and my hope to maybe use it abroad? I even had her quizzing me on how to make certain drinks.) Julie, I would like to thank you for the crash course which fully trained me for the duties I now have here at school. Jesus sure has a sense of humor, now doesn’t He?!

Who knows where I will be, what work, exploring, or shenanigans I will be partaking in after school. All I know is I am being richly blessed by scripture teaching thus far and know the spirit is moving here.

Liebü Grueü (‘my love’ in German)


September 25, 2008
Yesterday was beautiful! Early in the morning I went for a solo run along the river and through the town. It was a bit chilly but sure woke me up. In the arvo, the sun was shinning and I was blessed with the ability and time to hike with some classmates up past waterfalls, apple trees, and into rolling green fields that I am sure the Van Trap family probably spent some holidays frolicking in! At the top across the valley, huggggeee mountains that are dryer were capped in snow and clouds. We walked under a few sky lifts, and by lifts, I mean enclosed little booth things that move up the wire to the tip top of the mountains where we didn’t even climb to. And when the snow comes and skiers actually occupy this place, the slopes are the mountains that are now filled with houses, sheep and cows. You ski right through the residence areas!!! I was blown away. They utilize the space unlike our massive, set aside resorts. And you can ski down one mountain to the valley you jump on another lift that takes you to the next adjacent mountain. WOW!

Then a new friend and I walked around the town for another hour and a half getting better acquainted with the area. We strolled upon the most picturesque moment: An old, Austrian woman with a handkerchief tied around her head, a bun of silver hair hidden beneath, her long skirt, buttoned cardigan and little grandma shoes sweeping the sidewalk where ducks were waddling around her, quacking and pecking for feed. Ryan and I both stopped, mouths dropped, smiles wide, and were filled with that moment of, “This is a storybook moment we read about!” To our dismay, neither of us had a camera. On the topic of ducks, there are soo many that swim in the river. Hundreds and hundreds, and I am sure their little buns get frost bitten because that glacier water is frigid!

September 26, 2008
Last night our lecture was about dealing with the burdens we carry. The ones we often disguise because we are ashamed of the guilt and negative feelings we bear within, so sharing them is unthought-of because people might judge us. Often times though, “the heart of our problem is the problem of our heart.” The Lord can and will heal because His power is bigger than those that long for us to continue to carry hopeless and weakness. However it is in this darkness where the Light is needed most…Light that exposes and can lead us out into the abundance of life (John 10). Christ has given us brothers and sisters to share with and confide in. Let us be Christians that cover sin with Love rather than expose the sins of others. I have found personally that when revealing happens, healing follows.

Today our lesson was about the fall of man, freedom of choice because of God’s love, and how Satan works to trick man. There is so much about the scripture I am learning through the picking apart of verses. Today we spoke of the power of Satan and the battle of principalities that is being fought on the earth. Never have I been so confronted with and taught about the power of darkness. I am searching for CS Lewis’ book, “The Screwtape Letters” here, and in English rather than German. The subject is frightening to me because of the power Satan has and that it is has been loosed here on earth through demons, false prophets, and deception. However, our God is Almighty, all powerful! Alleluia!! I pray for each of you that reads this that you protect yourself from evil, guard your heart with the Truth of God and Jesus Christ. May we not be ignorant to the fact that good and evil both exist, but that we remember who has saved us from the battle that has already been won, our Lord and Savior, protector and provider, our strength, and King of Kings. Praises be to God our Father.

September 28, 2008
Earlier I had written about my hike with friends not being as long as I had hoped, well God sure does have a sense of humor. He is chuckling now as I write because yesterday we hiked for 6 hours!! Yes, and not just simple little hiking, I am talking up a mountain that was covered in rocks, small streams and waterfalls, from dry ground to the top where snow blankets the earth. We are offered Saturday activities to help us see the area, so a large group of us hiked to this beautiful lake, then those who wanted more of a challenge went up, up, up to the top of a snow capped mountain. At the top was a “hut.” That’s a small cottage with drinks and classic Austrian dishes to eat. My favorite is Kiezershact (pretty much crumbled up pieces of pancake with applesauce!). I need to have some apple strudel because its all the rave here. When we got back to town my new friend Nick who did upward bound with Jessie H. this summer took me to his favorite ice cream spot where a cone is only one euro! He got a kebab too, another food to eat on my list, which brought back fond memories of Australian cuisine.

Hiking with Nick as my “partner,” we were able to share about the journeys we have traveled through life. Our stories became similar at many points, but one in particular—the recent way God had sent convictions to our hearts when we were in situations that were unfulfilling and worldly. His specific instance and mine too happened after Nick’s Upward Bound experience and my Rockmont one. In both experiences, we were surrounded by God’s natural beauty (mountains and valleys, lakes, camping, outdoor activities, and the worshiping of God). I think that in such places, God can genuinely work in hearts, speaking to us through his natural beauty and the childlike enjoyment of these places while praising His name. Dan Davis emphasized the summer at Rockmont to allow God to speak in the silence; to be quiet, rest in Him, in our stillness, as our words decrease and His increase. It’s beautiful to see how this has become so important to me in my walk with Jesus. Nick was able to experience the same truths at Upward Bound too. With our “conviction” stories, we both were able to recognize the unsatisfying situations we had put ourselves in more obviously because we could compare those situations to those feelings of the goodness of God in places that were given by Christ (i.e. hiking). Something I now cherish even more so than ever is using the physical abilities the Lord has blessed me with in nature. I have seen and felt how he changes hearts when we are in those places, making us more aware of His purity and simplicity when we return to “ways of the world.” I pray that you can find time to go and picnic, hike, sleep, climb, swim, just get away from manmade distractions and become apart of nature wherever you live. In that place, be quiet and let the Lord’s words change your heart where you become nothing and let Him be everything in you.

Two nights ago, we had “girl” time where all of us went to the RA, Julie’s, room to have tea, chex mix and share about ourselves. It was there that one of my roommates, Miriam from Germany, talked about her future dreams. Miriam expressed her desire to study medicine and become a missionary doctor in the Himalayan Mountains, but to do so as single woman. Not just single for her time of mission work, but single for the rest of her life. She said God has placed on her heart contentment with being married to Him alone and never wanting to marry. Miriam’s steadfast commitment to the Lord’s calling and not having the dream of marrying like most young woman brought me to tears. I recently have let who I am going to marry become a central thought of mine. In prayer the other night, I asked to the Lord to take away this constant searching and dreaming for “the one” that occurs in my head. It was a couple days later when God answered this prayer through my roommates sweet sharing of her heart. It is amazing how much freer I feel from the silly thoughts of my future with my husband whom I might not have even met yet. There is

In the evening, I researched a bit about different places in Europe pondering where I might end up after this semester. Miriam sat with me for a bit and we discussed where she had been, what you liked and did not, where she thinks I would like best for travel and then for work, etc. At the end, we prayed with each other. How beautiful is God that he has given me a sister in Christ that is so encouraging, honest, and such a lovely spirit. Miriam prayed for where the Lord will place me, and then prayed for my future husband. My eyes were welling up with tears, her knowing that even though it is not her desire, one day I hope to share my life with another and her genuinely lifting that up to the Lord. The words of her prayer penetrated my heart deeply and meant so much, having another loving soul lift my future before God our Father and praying for my contentment and patience.

This morning, we just worshiped at our “church.” Today was the first day we sang together as a community and it was fundeshund (wonderful)!! Our sermon was about contentment or our lack there of in our circumstances. We find ourselves praying, “God, show me Your plan for my life,” because we are not happy or satisfied in the present moment. We anticipate the future, but in the midst neglect the here and now. The fact is, God’s plan IS what you are doing at this moment, so we must accept and allow the Lord opportunity to work out His completion in us for today first, then tomorrow when and even if it comes. God sure has been speaking loudly to me. He constantly searches my heart and when I surrender all that I am, there He reveals and heals. My prayer for you my beloved (as well as myself) comes from Psalm 139:23-24, one of my daddy’s fav chapters:
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thought; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.”

I have been running a good bit while being here. My favorite time though is in the early morning before the house is awake. I run down my the river and follow it through the city to its outskirts, past pastures and train tracks, cows and sheep. The other morn, the cold air made my breath look like smoke, I was suited up in long sleeves and tights, my Boston cap to represent the States and keep the heat in my head, and ipod fastened to my arm (an obvious American). The point though was that with trucks driving past on the road, the train on the rails, and all other morning bustle sounds, the one sound that could not be drowned out by my music was the river. I said earlier that it is quick moving, and the morning runs have revealed to me its power. My prayer for God’s Almighty power in my life has been inspired by the river here…May God be a force that cannot be drown out by rather amplified when we let other earthy matters push Him aside. May His forces in our lives be intense, motivating, and fill us with a rush of spirit. May it cleanse and be clear, fresh, and constant like the Austrian glacier runoff.

welcome to the austrian alps!

Well my loves, I am here... after a many plane rides, taxi, bus, train, and then the Taunerhof van, my humungo pink duffel, matching bookbag, and the best investment, my Gregory backpack, arrived to the school. To add a little adventure, my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash decided their bottles were too restricting and ventured into not only the baggie they were pack in but the bottom of my backpack... fixed that minor situation with a Real Simple travel tip (cover the top with plastic wrap THEN put the caps on). Miso soup warmed my belly this morning with some rich coffee. And the German language is going to have to become a new hobbie of mine.

Today a few girls and I walked around Schladming. BEAUTIFUL!! My school is right beside a ski slope so the lift is in business taking tourists up to the top for the view. We walked past some waterfalls where the water was clear as glass and the most refreshing blue/green/torquoise color as it rushed over the rocks. And it is fast moving! You can here the falls from a distance and there are little pipes with fresh water trinkling out for anyone to drink from. The town is very quaint with little shops and churches and oh, flowers! Planters are everywhere with flowers of dainty pinks and yellows and purples abounding. And yes, I stopped and smelled the roses. It's already a bit chilly, my scarf, mittens, and beanie already have come out both days since being here.

At school, there are about 60 students and half of them are Canadian. I am so excited for what the Lord has in store in these next few months of learning. The Big man is for sure going to be nourising my soul. There are three other girls in my room. One from Norway and shes a nurse, then another from Germany. I have yet to meet the other gal. I got a bottom bunk which I am pretty stooked about and as for clothes, not a surprise, I brought too many. But maybe they will all come in handy for layering?! Im sticking with that statement.

Thank you to everyone who has helped me get here. Your love and support have not gone unoticed by me and I know that if it were not for all of yalls encouragement, I would not be here. I carry you in my hearts and wish I could fly you here to share in this with me. Much love and hugs to you all and I will keep you updated.

Cheers!